#MakeupMonday: How to Conceal Dark Circles Under Eyes Like A Pro

Do you have dark circles under your eyes? Is it just sometimes when you don’t get enough sleep or is it a more permanent thing (like in my case – see the photo)? Either way, fear not! With a couple of amazing makeup products and a bit of a skill, we can look fresh, well-rested and flawless like Miranda Kerr on a Vogue cover. Possibly even better, who knows?! In today’s tutorial, a popular Sydney-based makeup artist, Olga Tishkov shows us (on my face!) how to conceal dark circles under eyes like a pro at home. Enjoy! – Maria, xx

HOW TO:

Step 1. Prep & Prime. Under eye skin is very thin and often dry – so moisturise the area well for smooth and even makeup application. Use an eye cream or your regular moisturiser (sensitive skin friendly options are best for the eye area), let it absorb and then apply some more. We used Sheseido Bio-Performance Super Eye Contour Cream.

To ensure your makeup really lasts, use your makeup primer (but the one for dry/normal skin, not the mattifying one), eyeshadow primer or makeup setting spray, like Mac Fix+ to prime the under eye area. Using a fluffy brush gently brush the primer over the under eye area.

Step 2. Conceal. Start patting a small of amount of concealer lightly gradually building the coverage only where required, concentrating in the inner area where the most shadows are concentrated*. We used Mac Pro Concealerl. Don’t be afraid to take in down to where the apples of your cheeks start. However, avoid putting too much of concealer in the outer under eye area where crows feet wrinkles and puff bags are usually located. Heavy concealers can actually make them more noticeable. Instead either try a liquid formula like NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer or check Step 4.

* NOTE: If your under eye area appears very dark (bluish or purplish in colour) and it is very difficult to cover up with concealer along, you might want to consider adding a colour correcting option to your make-up routine (more on this in future ‘Makeup Monday’ posts).

Step 4. Brighten Up. Apply some illuminating product with fine light-reflecting particles like YSL Touche Eclatto the crows feet area and outer part of an under eye bag. This will make your overall appearance look polished. However, if you have under eye bags, it’s best to leave this area untouched or matte.

Step 5. Set Concealer. If you notice a lot of creasing, melting or going patchy during the day around the eye area then setting it with some powder can help your concealer last longer and perform better. Gently apply a tiny amount of powder, like La Prairie Loose Powder, around under eye area. Don’t over-do – the goal is to lightly set, not mattify.

Hope you find today’s tutorial helpful! Over the next few months will be showing more makeup tutorials in our ‘Makeup Monday’ series, so if you have a particular look (celebrity or trend) in mind that you’d like to learn how to do it yourself at home, let us know in the comments. Your request can become our next tutorial, so don’t be shy!